THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS 
29 
are so closely and compactly situated, with such narrow 
straits between them, that their appearance is that of a 
single great island which has been broken up by submer¬ 
sion and volcanic action. There is, indeed, no other 
archipelago in the world which contains so many islands 
so compactly massed together. 
Lying entirely within the tropics, with an infinitely 
diversified coast outline, with mountain ranges having a 
mean elevation of 3000 to 4000 feet, and isolated 
volcanoes rising to a height of 8000 to 10,000 feet, the 
Philippines possess all the conditions for the most 
luxuriant tropical vegetation, and all the elements of the 
finest tropical scenery. Everywhere the land is abund¬ 
antly watered, and abounds in rivers and streams, and 
upland and lowland lakes. In truth, the archipelago is 
in almost every respect fully worthy to be compared 
with the most famous tropical regions, such as Brazil, 
Java, and Ceylon. The light green foliage of the low¬ 
lands contrasts vividly with the pine forests of the lofty 
mountain summits, for here the conifers are wedded to 
the palm, while the lowland streams are fringed with 
feathery bamboos. Half concealed by coco-nut palms lie 
the towns and villages, amid the vivid green of the rice 
fields and sugar plantations; while the woodlands and 
gardens are beautiful with the dazzling hues of their 
blossoms and fruits. From this vegetation the native 
women seem to have acquired the art of clothing them¬ 
selves in the brightest colours without offending our 
more educated taste. For here the wealth of colour in 
which plants, animals, and man himself are arrayed, 
harmonises perfectly with the fulness of light poured 
down by a fierce tropical sun on the bosom of the 
earth. But, despite this glorious vegetation, no more 
here than elsewhere does mankind enjoy the cup of 
